1,275,000. That’s the number of cows in Wisconsin in 2015. Wisconsin is still called the ‘Dairy State,’ even though California has 40% more cows than we do. About 60 of these million or so cows reside on the farm of Christopher Baird. He was not born into a farm family but he has spent the vast majority of his years in these fields and this very milk parlor.

Christopher’s family moved from the Seattle area to Wisconsin to leave the big city behind and build a family dairy farm. It was an audacious dream. How do you ‘countrify’ a city boy (his dad) and learn such a diverse set of skills as is required for farming? One thing you do is rely on your 10 children to help. A large family always works together and works hard but especially when their home is a dairy farm. Like every young person, they resent the endless chores at times. But for Christopher, farming quickly seeped into his DNA. And it’s a good thing too, since he now runs the farm all by himself.

Following his years at Patrick Henry College, due to some difficult family issues, the farm was passed on to Christopher--but with an enormous outstanding debt. He not only brings youthful energy to the task but new ideas as well. This was his family’s farm but now it is his and he does an amazing job. With bone-tiring work and some seasons of decent milk prices, he has been able to make a significant dent in the pile of bills. Of course he wants to succeed but he also loves his calling. Every animal in his growing herd has a name. He knows their habits-their likes and dislikes. Everything is measured and monitored in modern farming. He can view his farm stats on his smartphone. But this is not Farmville. This is blood, sweat and prayers.

Our church family appreciates Christopher’s gifts on the violin as he is a regular part of our worship teams on Sunday morning. His morning and evening chores prevent him from attending worship practice but his musical ear is so well trained that he can jump in at the last moment.

Alas, I was useless to Christopher when I paid him a visit in June. At least I kept him company while he toiled away in the small, aging parlor. Christopher has dreams of his own. His keen mind is always alight with new solutions to old problems. He would like new milking equipment one day. The herd needs to grow a little larger yet. Not California size, but into a manageable and consistently profitable enterprise. But Christopher is patient. Farming and the Lord Jesus have taught him that. I look forward to watching those dreams unfold.